A new report has revealed that the cost of seeing a dermatologist in Australia is rising sharply, leading to an increasing number of patients forgoing medically necessary care. The report, published by health directory Cleanbill, found that the average out-of-pocket cost for a first appointment has reached $230, while follow-up visits cost nearly $190. These figures represent increases of approximately $18 and $20 respectively over the past year.
Regional Disparities and Rising Costs
The increases were particularly steep in smaller states, including Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, expressed concern that specialist care is becoming a financial burden that many cannot afford. “Specialist care is becoming something you have to budget for, plan for, and in too many cases, go without,” she said. “That is especially true for dermatology, where ongoing care is often not optional; it is medically necessary.”
Workforce Shortages and Growing Demand
Australia has fewer than 700 specialist dermatologists and about 130 trainees, while demand for their services is rising due to high skin cancer rates. In comparison, psychiatry has 6,500 qualified psychiatrists and over 2,500 trainees. Many dermatologists are also moving into more lucrative cosmetic work outside Medicare, reducing the number available for essential treatments and lengthening waiting lists.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists noted that training positions are limited by government funding and capacity within public hospitals and outpatient clinics, which remain under-resourced relative to demand. A spokesperson for the college highlighted that rebates have not kept pace with rising practice costs, including staffing, rent, medical indemnity insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.
Impact on Patients
Cleanbill CEO James Gillespie pointed out that while some repeat patients may have fee arrangements with their specialists, first-time patients often face the full cost. The report aligns with Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2024-25, which estimated that nearly 810,000 Australians over 15 did not see a specialist when needed due to cost.
Dr Deveny emphasized that the gap between Medicare coverage and specialist charges has been widening for years. “No one should have to weigh up whether they can afford to follow up on a skin cancer check,” she said. The college warned that without reform to Medicare rebates and investment in public dermatology services, patients with fewer financial resources or those in regional areas will face longer wait times and limited access to care.
